Strategic Sustainability Consulting recently published a quick tips document about Paper Purchasing, not to mention that we just sent out our monthly newsletter discussing the importance of Life Cycle Assessments (LCA). Interested in reading more about the Paper Life Cycle, view the article published by Green Biz earlier on the 8th July 2010, but remember to download the Paper Purchasing document from SSC for free!

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — Companies looking to make more informed, environmentally responsible decisions about the paper products they purchase, use and sell now have access to a new free online resource.

The Paper Life Cycle at www.thepaperlifecycle.org was created by Metafore, a collaboration of stakeholders across the paper supply chain. Metafore is a program of GreenBlue, a nonprofit institute that spurs the creative redesign of industry to support sustainability.

Using vivid interactive graphics, reports on trends and in-depth articles, the website presents the lifecycle of paper to users starting from the forest and proceeding to papermaking, use, recycling and recovery, end of life and exports. Topics covered range from climate change and forest practice management to product performance.

Contributors and reviewers of the website include the partnership between Metafore and members of the Forest Products Association of Canada, called the Corporate Forum for Paper and the Environment; the World Resources Institute; the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement; the American Forest & Paper Association; Procter & Gamble; Canfor Pulp; Catalyst Paper; Boise; Sappi Fine Paper; Time Inc. and 3M.

"Given the immense environmental challenges facing the world today, it's critical that we foster healthy ecosystem management through the sustainable use of paper and forestry products," Ruth Noguerón, an associate with the World Resources Institute, said in a statement. "The Paper Life Cycle is a resource to help understand the environmental issues related to paper production and use."

Top image CC licensed by Flickr user pawpaw67. Inset image courtesy of The Paper Life Cycle.